TOOLS OVERVIEW

EVALUATION CRITERIA

WEIGHTED ASSESSMENT

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE SCORES ASSIGNED:

Qlikview [Rank: 5]

Pros

Qlikview is a self-service access BI tool built for non-technical professionals that utilizes both engaging graphics and data consolidation from multiple sources into a single place to greatly simplify data analysis. Qlik's in-memory processor vastly speeds up the application and allows it to refresh in real-time, providing insights as data is added. Qlikview distinguishes itself from other BI tools through its unique inference engine, which maintains data associations automatically. Relationships in data are easily illuminated with Qlikview’s visuals.

Cons

However, some businesses struggled with end-users filtering and letting things unintentionally join, and either limit or multiply the results. While a great feature, it is easily messed up at the end user and developer levels. In general, some users struggled to grasp the concept of filtering, and had trouble creating their own visuals.

SAP BO [Rank: 2]

Pros

SAP is for everyone - regardless of the company size or industry. Anyone within a company, regardless of function, can access any BI data via the SAP framework with no to minimal help from IT. SAP has roughly 14 BI solutions that are aimed at different company sizes and industries. For example, one BI solution is aimed at SMBs, while another solution is geared toward companies that work with Microsoft Office. Other solutions allows for the user to access their BI data via their mobile devices or provide additional analytical features. Most BI platforms tend to be specific to the company function (i.e. HR or sales) but the SAP’s BusinessObject platform provides a broader solution. Users can perform BI analysis from multiple data sources and in different formats.

Cons

The licensing process with SAP has proven confusing for many users. Some have reported frequent support fee hikes, and there are multiple levels of maintenance required on the program that build up additional costs.

Tableau [Rank: 1]

Pros

Tableau is a streamlined, user-friendly business intelligence solution that provides a simple, quick way for non-experts to access data and create their own dashboards in just a few clicks. The simplicity and clarity of the solution is provided without sacrificing the depth and range of insight. Tableau also can produce very quick results utilizing its rapid-fire intelligence tools that develop insights as data comes in, in real time. Tableau Desktop relies on innovative technology that allows users to click on data and drag and drop it where you want it so that you can analyze exactly what you want. This makes connecting to data much simpler for users, who can create dashboards in just a few moments. Also, Tableau makes it easy to incorporate multiple data sources.

Cons

Tableau is currently working on adapting their software for Mac. Some users have reported struggles with OLAP calculations when working within Teradata, and have expressed frustration with the ease of use of the tool. Essentially, Tableau has many advanced features, and it can prove difficult to navigate between them.

IBM Cognos [Rank: 4]

Pros

IBM Cognos software is a business intelligence tool that can be used to improve strategic management and monitor financial performance. Cognos is unique for its scalable products that can be tailored to the size of the business, ranging from the individual, a larger workgroup, an entire department, a small business, or a major corporation.

Cons

Critics of the product cite its difficulty to use, especially for those new to advanced software. Of particular note are the error messages that continually pop up, and have been noted to be very difficult to cipher and even more difficult to resolve. Data reports also take almost twice as long to compile with Cognos as compared to most competitors.

Microstrategy [Rank: 3]

Pros

The MicroStrategy Analytics Platform puts business intelligence in the hands of any user  – meaning the user will not need to rely on IT to provide analyses and reports.  There’s no complicated code to write or query to understand – just a click or drag and drop. This platform also gives the end-user flexible deployment options; it can either be hosted on site or in the cloud.

Cons

MicroStrategy users have noted that there is a particularly steep learning curve to the technology. IT resources will need to be devoted to help build up expertise within the user-base.

The tool also operates within very rigid data structures, which may lead to more time spent using Extract, Transform, and Load tools to get data in order.

The platform does not include any predictive or prescriptive analytics tools, and some have found the lack of more scientific visualizations frustrating.

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